[Free] How to Make a Full Backup of Windows 10/8/7
Overview of Windows 10/8/7 Full Backup
A system backup is a process of backing up the operating system, files, and system-specific useful/essential data. Backup is a process in which the state, files, and data of a computer system are duplicated to be used as a backup or data substitute when the primary system data is corrupted, deleted or lost.
As we all know, Windows 10's newest update is coming out. In order to avoid Windows 10 data loss, we need to make a full backup of Windows 10. Backups help ensure that your system and files aren't permanently lost or damaged. Follow the two methods below to make a full backup of Windows 10/8/7.
Easy and Free - Use Qiling Backup to Make a Full Backup
Qiling Backup Free has more than enough features for personal use. The program can perform system, disk/partition, and file backups either manually or automatically through scheduled backups. You're able to make full, differential and incremental backups. If you want to control over your backups, start downloading the free Windows backup software and make a full backup.
1. Launch Qiling Windows 10 backup software and then choose the "System backup" on the "Backup and recovery" page.
2. The software will then automatically recognize your operating system. And what you need to do here is to perfect the Destination, Plan name, and Description.
Note:
- Destination - Click the folder icon to modify your backup destination.
- Plan name and Description - An accurate plan name and appropriate description can help you find the needed image file easily.
- You'd better create the backup file to an external storage device or in some other drives. If not, there may be a risk of the backup file getting corrupted or destroyed.
3. Click "Proceed" to start Windows 10 system backup.
Tip: It is pretty easy to recover the system image. Just open the software again and click the "Recovery" option of the image, and then you can restore the system. If you need a detailed instruction, please refer to system recovery
Create a System Image of Windows 10 With the Built-in Tool
In this Windows 10 guide, we will also walk you through the steps to create a full backup, including all your settings, apps, and files, using the built-in system image tool. However, the steps are a little bit difficult compared with using a free tool to back up the system. Read on to create a system backup of Windows 10 using the built-in system image tool.
1. Click on Start and click Control Panel then choose Backup and Restore (Windows 7) Window
2. On the left pane, click the Create a system image.
3. Select the location to save the Windows 10 user profile backup and click "Next" to continue. You'd better save the backup on an external storage device so that you can transfer it to other computers.
Once you completed these steps, the wizard will proceed to create a full backup of your system, including everything that is stored on the main drive, as well as the system reserved partition.
After the backup is done, you'll be prompted to create a system repair disc to access the recovery options if your computer is unable to boot.
Quick access: You can always create a repair disc by clicking the Create a system repair disc link within the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) settings page.
How to Restore the System Image Backup of Windows 10
Now that you have the backup of your Windows 10, and a system repair disc, you may also want to know the way to restore the system image of it, just read more to learn the steps:
1. Connect the external drive with the system image backup to your device.
2. Connect the disk that contains the system repair files (or USB bootable drive with the Windows 10 installation files) to your device.
3. Reboot your computer. Press F2 and choose boot from USB
4. On the "Windows Setup" page, click the Next button.
5. Click the Repair your computer link located at the bottom-left corner. Then Click the Troubleshoot option.
6. Click the System Image Recovery option.
7. Choose the target OS. (In this case, Windows 10.)
8. On the "Re-image your computer" page, select the Use the latest available system image option and click Next.
If you're restoring a full backup to a new drive, you can also select the Format and repartition disks option. (Use this option carefully, as it will erase any existing partitions and disks on your computer.) Then click Next.
9. Click Finish, and click Yes to confirm that the backup will replace the data on the drive.
The Conclusion to the Whole Page
Method 1 is an easy and free method to help you make a full backup of your system. If you want to back up system easily, using a free backup software is indeed easy and fast. Method 2 is a little bit difficult. If you have enough time and patience, the second method is a nice choice.
Related Articles
- ISO to USB: How to Burn ISO to USB in Windows 10
- How to Backup/Export and Restore Chrome History and Cookies
- Windows 10/8/7 System Restore Points Not Working
- [Guide] Backup Windows 10 to USB | Create a Windows 10 Recovery Drive
- Deploy Windows 10 with Best Windows 10 Deployment Tool